TPM-E - Special Session: Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR) Section Orange B 14:30 - 17:15
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| Chair(s): Jerrold Bushberg, Fred McWilliams
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TPM-E.1
14:30 Communicating the Science and Risk of Emerging Technologies in a Sea of Intuitive Toxicology and Cognitive Bias JT Bushberg*, NCRP
Abstract: Public resistance and fear of new technologies is not a new phenomenon. Research on affective influences on public opinion suggest, cognitive influences compete with various affective variables in their influences on public perceptions of new technology. Specifically, people are often influenced by more affective aspects, such as concerns or fears, which are more a function of the potential severe outcomes or of the vividness of potential risks rather than of objectively quantifiable probabilities or expectations. Even though cognitions, such as levels of scientific knowledge and education, are related to public support for new technologies, they alone cannot fully explain the variations of public opinion on these issues. There is a significant body of literature that has empirically examined these competing influences in greater detail. This line of research has shown that (1) affective processes often precede cognitive evaluations and (2) people’s judgments about science and technology are sometimes based not on analytical judgment but on a general feeling about science and technology. The seminal research of Paul Slovic and colleagues on intuitive toxicology can be used as a starting point. Overview of these topics will be presented along with specific recommendations aimed at increasing the effectiveness of communicating risks of emerging technologies in a public forum.
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TPM-E.2
15:15 NIR Distinguished Service Award
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TPM-E.0
15:25 Panel Discussion
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TPM-E.3
16:05 Commercial Wireless Towers on Campus MC Jo*, University of Nevada, Reno
; SA Woolf, University of Nevada, Reno
Abstract: Multiple commercial wireless towers were built and operated for a number of years on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. The university has leased space for wireless towers to commercial cellular communication companies who own, operate and upgrade equipment on the towers. The wireless towers are usually located outdoors on elevated structures like rooftops and sides of buildings. The towers house antennas to transmit/receive radiofrequency (RF) waves for wireless telephone/data service. Several years passed without any issues; however at some point equipment upgrades resulted in increased RF outputs that warranted posting of RF warning labels. These warning labels generated concern among campus maintenance workers, who consequently refused to work on roofs of buildings where the RF warning labels were posted. The campus radiation safety officer was invited to attend meetings to discuss how to deal with the issues produced by the RF warning labels. This presentation describes how the campus radiation safety officer worked with wireless tower owners, maintenance personnel, facility services, and the campus real estate office to address concerns about RF safety.
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